First off thanks for taking the time to read this post.
Here's the problem:

Just removed the tranny from my CA18DET to replace the rear main seal on the back of the block, and the throw out bearing. Both of those operations went seamlessly. Got the tranny mounted back up, everything hooked back up, started the car, drove it about a 1/4 mile and got a bad scraping noise. So, I took the tranny back off, and found all the flywheel bolts had apparently stretched while being torqued in, and had loosened themselves. I bought new bolts, put everything back together, then tried to start my car today.

Here's the new problem. Everytime I attempt to start my car, I get a grinding whir coming from the starter where it meets the flywheel. I'm assuming the teeth on the starter arent meshing correctly with the teeth on the flywheel. I pulled the starter off and took it to Autozone to have it tested. I thought maybe the solenoid in it was dying and the gear wasnt being extended to mesh with the flywheel. The starter passed the test with flying colors. Which is great because that saves me roughly $100, but now I'm stumped as to what could be going on.

I mean, it's not like I could have installed it incorrectly, theres only 2 bolts, and they both line up. Any ideas anyone??? This is the only thing keeping my car off the road. Grrr. lol.

Thanks for any input!!

 

ahhh bro.. the internals in the starter is just going bad that is all.. its nothing you can do about it but get it rebuilt or get a new one... the one in my skyline is making the same annoying noise.

 

but i had it tested and it works fine. it sounds like the teeth are physically grinding against the flywheel. ive seen sparks, so im pretty sure thats whats happening. i just dont know why or how to fix it...

 

OooooOOOOOOO

 

that helps....

 

well examine it man.. you did a good job of coming to a conclusion of whats wrong..... take the flywheel off and examine the teeth on both the starter and flywheel.... honestly if bolts on the flywheel came lose... be lucky the damage is not much more worst.